The Plus & Minus ofSolo Travels and 'Singlehood'

Don't we all love the golden hour? One of the must-capture moments when traveling is the sundown. My favorite vantage point for this, so far, is Ivana, Batanes. I caught five sunsets right beside Sabtang island, facing the South China sea.

"Artista ka, 'no?," an Ivatan girl peeked outside her door and asked me with a smile.

On this side of the world, I could sometimes pass as a celebrity. Sure it is flattering but it is the kind of compliment I cannot accept simply because I am an outsider who just happened to look and act differently from everybody else. Yes, a fish out of its water, I tried my best to experience more of the Ivatan culture.

Going here for the fourth time may seem strange for some. But then again, I knew that there is so much yet to learn and see in Batanes. Hence, I deported myself to its rural town, Ivana, located fourteen kilometers away from Basco.

Batanes will always be my favorite destination in the Philippines. Everywhere you look, there is something profound to marvel at. And everything seems to sit in the perfect place, with the perfect music and with all the hyperboles you could ever imagine. I have too many things to say about this breathtaking province, but first, let's start with one of its scenic destinations-- an Old American station.

Bikers in their long whites pedaled their way to the temple. There was a long line of worshippers sitting by the entrance, with their bare feet on the floor, and hands clasped into a prayer. They were quiet, as if they were anticipating for something. There were a handful of teens; a lot of old men resembled Confucius. An old man differently dressed in yellow, glared into an abyss outside.

Summer is on its last bend, so let me share with you a look-back to one of my favorite events this summer 2012. It's a very late post, but let's enjoy this beautiful season, one last time :)

Each year, thousands of visitors troop to Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga for an exciting four-day flying fiesta. Now on its 17th year, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta has turned man’s dream of flight into one soaring reality!

As early as the break of dawn, hundreds lined up to wait for the main attraction for the day-- the hot air balloon flights. Most of them came from different provinces; but for them, seeing the fiesta is one feast that's worth the wait.

So when my friends and I visited Bangkok, I made sure that my stomach will get all the loving it needs. And as luck would have it, we stayed in a hotel along Phetchaburi Road, an alley that turns into a food market at night.

They chuckled when I told them that I ran all the way from Ivana to Basco.

You see, I'm not really your typical runner. I only run when I'm in the mood. I'm flat-footed and I don't have that perfect mix of discipline and endurance. And I have never gone farther than twelve kilometers.